Rugby: Delany answers Clermont SOS

One-time All Black first-five eighth Mike Delany has answered the call of Top 14 outfit Clermont to join up as cover for the injured Julien Farnoux, the French side says.

Delany, 30, who won his only cap in 2009, had similarly been drafted by the Highlanders earlier this season as injury cover, having had a stint with Panasonic Wild Knights in Japan.

Delany "will come to the Auvergne (region) in the next few days as injury cover for Julien Farnoux, who has ruptured knee ligaments,'' Clermont, currently second in the table, said in a statement on Tuesday, noting their new acquisition can play at fly-half, centre or as a back.

Delany reached the final of the then Super 14 with the Chiefs having started out with Bay of Plenty provincial side, where he featured under Vern Cotter, now Clermont coach.

Clermont are still in Europe this season and take on compatriots Montpellier in the European Cup quarter-finals on April 6.